Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway offers all-season adventure

You and up to three friends will arc higher and higher in the sky as Cranmore's Giant Swing takes you to the limit. (COURTESY)

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NORTH CONWAY - If you think Cranmore Mountain Resort is just a winter destination, you are missing out on the fun it offers at its Adventure Park during the summer.

"Whether you have an active teenager, young children or want to come by yourself, we have something for everyone this time of year," said Becca Deschenes, marketing manager at Cranmore Mountain Resort.

Noting the process to transform Cranmore Mountain from strictly a winter resort to a year-round destination began four years ago, she said several new attractions are already a big hit with visitors. While you are unlikely to find gold, the new Rock Mining Adventure puts families on the fast track for gemstone glory at its 30-foot, water-filled sluice. Cranmore Mountain has also added a 25-foot climbing wall that provides people with five routes from which to choose, depending on their abilities.

For parents with young children, Deschenes cited the addition of a new mile-long hiking trail to neighboring Black Cap Mountain.

"It's a mellow hike, and it's a perfect trip for the family," she said.

As for returning attractions, she said the Mountain Coaster is still popular, as visitors can literally twist and turn their way through the woods for thousands of feet. According to Deschenes, the coaster is unique in that riders can control their speed for a more leisurely experience.

For people who want no such control over their speed, the Soaring Eagle Zip Line propels riders backward for 700 feet only to "zip" them forward to the base at approximately 35 miles per hour. If flying is more your thing, Deschenes cited the Giant Swing or Bungy Trampoline, while noting they also offer summer tubing on a special surface for a 400-foot ride down the mountain.

If she had to pick a favorite attraction, she said it would be the Aerial Adventure Ropes Course. Consisting of five individual elevated courses for different ability levels, it features zip lines, rope bridges, ladders, cargo nets and more.

"I personally love the challenge of it," said Deschenes, who noted the course changes annually. "We work very hard to update the park every year and keep it new and fresh for visitors."

For those who work up an appetite, she said Cranmore Mountain's Meister Hut now serves lunch, although she said the view it provides is worthy of a visit all on its own.

"From the deck of the building, guests can take in breathtaking views of North Conway and Mount Washington - it's stunning," she said.

As for anticipated future changes, Deschenes said plans have already been submitted and approved for a multiyear development project in which an 18-unit condominium will be built. Referred to as Kearsarge Brook at Cranmore, she said a total of 106 units are expected to built by the end of the project.

Noting these condominiums will be located at the base of the mountain to make it easy for residents to access all of Cranmore's lifts, trails and base area amenities, she said the vision is clear.

"Cranmore is no longer just a winter resort, but North Conway's year-round playground," she said. "With this project and all the activities we offer, our goal is to provide memories that will last a lifetime," she said.

Cranmore Mountain Resort's Adventure Park offers all inclusive ticket options starting at $35 for children over 38 to 48 inches tall; $55 for children 48 to 54 inches; and $65 for adults over 54 inches. Children under 38 inches are admitted for free. The all-park pass includes unlimited rides in the Mountain Adventure Park and up to two hours in the Aerial Adventure Park, while individual passes to either area are also available.

For more information, go to www.cranmore.com/summer/mountain-adventure-park.